Evaluation the Authenticity of Wood Species in Sri Lankan Timber Market

Abstract

People have ability to identify the wood that they are using in their day today life. Scientific timber identification is based on the anatomical properties of wood. Sri Lankan wood industry is performing as one of the important in manufacturing sector and constructions. Both Local and imported woods are using in the country and the authenticity of timber is more essential for a systematic wood industry. This study is aimed to investigate the timber authenticity of the local and imported timber species using in Sri Lankan timber market in past 6 years by studying 615 timber identification reports issued byState Timber Corporation from 2012 to 2017. Total of 50 species were found in identification reports. Among local timber 55% of species were correctly claimed 6% of species were incorrectly claimed and 39% of species were not mentioned by the client. Among imported timber 49% of species were correctly claimed 16% of species were incorrectly claimed and 35% of species were not mentioned by the client. Correctly claimed timber identification reports had 54% and 46%local and imported species respectively. Incorrectly claimed reports had 28% and 72% local and imported species respectively. It was found that 23 out of 36 local species claimed by timber users were 100% correct; Albizia, Eucalyptus spp., Ginisapu, Grandis, Halmilla, Havarinuga, Hora, Jak, Kolon, Koon, Kothalahimbatu, Mahogany, Margosa, Milla, Palu, Para Mara, Pine, Rubber, Sabukku, Satin, Wal Del, Walla Patta, and Roshiya. Correctly claimed percentages of other local species; Teak, Sandalwood and Liyan were claimed 95%, 88% and 62% correct respectively, Kumbuk and Lunumidella with 67% accuracy, Kanda, Katakela, Mango, Mee and Toona were claimed with 50% of accuracy. Dawata, Duriyan and Kaya were claimed totally incorrect by clients.Out of 14 imported species 9 were claimed 100% correctly; Kapur, Kasai, Kekatong, Kelat, Keranji, Meranti, Merbau, Resak, and Rosewood. Thulang, Kempus and Kendis were claimed by clients 80%, 72% and 67% correct respectively, Balau 56% and Oak 40% accurately. Most common local timber species were proposed to identify by customers are Teak, Ginisapu, Mahogany, Hora, Eucalyptus spp. and Kumbuk. Imported timber species areThulang, Kempus, Balau and Kandis. Sri Lankan timber users have higher authentic rate for local timber than imported timber.
Keywords: Timber authenticity, Wood species, Local, Imported